Modularized unmanned marine surface vehicle

ABSTRACT

A modularized unmanned marine surface vehicle contains control section and propulsion section. The control section is composed of bow section, control cabin, probing module, communication module and conjunction module. The propulsion section contains an energy cabin and a power plant cabin. The conjunction module can be combined with the energy cabin as a complete unmanned marine surface vehicle. The probing module can be the option of combining with probing instruments and equipment. The probing module&#39;s possible tasks include obtaining information on the depth of water, water quality assessment, temperature analysis and even underwater photography. The propulsion section can be battery-powered, gasoline-powered or diesel-powered. The propulsion section can be equipped with a propeller, a water jet or a turbine jet propeller of high power or low power as the power source assembly. By the modularized design, the length of the vehicle can be shrunk, for easy carry and loading. In addition, by the modularized design, after assembling, the vehicle can be longer to enhance the stability while sailing. By the different combinations of the control section and the propulsion section, the combined vehicle can be an unmanned marine surface vehicle fitting for varies of probing purposes, functions, sailing circumstances, or different sailing speeds.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The above mentioned invention relates to an unmanned marine surface vehicle, with the capability of offering various optional measurement modules and a variety of power source assemblies.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art

[0004] While probing the depths, measuring water temperature, and assessing water quality in shallow waters, it is necessary to use a compact remote-controlled unmanned marine surface vehicle. Vehicles of this type are typically designed as a fixed structure: That is, a single vehicle that has a single set of measurement instruments and a single type of propulsion assembly. It has not in the past been easy to change the measurement module to meet the variety of purposes. Similarly, there has been no way to change the propulsion assembly for the different uses. As an example, during downstream sailing using lower level power sources will allow sustaining longer sailing duration. When propelling upstream you can use higher level of power source assembly attain more force. Typically the hull of the average unmanned marine surface vehicle is fixed, thus making it less versatile. During propulsion, a long and slim body has better efficiency of motion, yet lacks the convenience for quick and easy loading into or onto a compact car for transport. Conversely, a vehicle designed with a shorter body is useful for carrying and loading, yet lacks stability while sailing. Thus, to improve upon the above dilemmas in carrying and loading, while retaining the qualities of an ideal marine surface vehicle, the inventor has come up with the following changes, through search and trial and error testing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an marine surface vehicle which allows users to choose different control tools to suit the required uses and, at the same time, to have the option of choosing the desired propulsion section to obtain optimal combination of mobility and practicality.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a modularized unmanned marine surface vehicle, which can keep the actual size and weight optimal for both carrying and loading.

[0007] The other object of this present invention is to provide a modularized unmanned marine surface vehicle, which can keep the total cost minimal. The proposed outlines of the invention include the added benefit of being able to have several possible assemblies, or options. So while the uses can be numerous, the overall cost is kept reasonable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The other design features, specifications and implementations of the invention can be more fully understood by referring to the following descriptions and accompanying drawings. They are as follows:

[0009]FIG. 1 is an overview of entire vehicle;

[0010]FIG. 2 is a partial assembly view of vehicle;

[0011]FIG. 3 is a side view of vehicle Detailed description of Main Body of Vehicle.

[0012] Referring to FIG. 1, 2 and 3, the marine surface vehicle with its customized options is composed of a control section 10 and a propulsion section 20. The control section 10 is composed of a bow section 11 and control cabin 12 with a conjunction module 13. The upper portion of the control cabin 12 is equipped with a GPS (Global Positioning System) antenna/receiver 14 and a front cabin cover 15 that acts as a cover for the cabin. The conjunction module 13 is composed of the cover panel 131 and triangle wing panels 132. The triangle wing panels 132 are extended downward from the both sides of the cover panel 131 which is extended from the control cabin 12. There are several available screw holes 133, on the edges and on the top of the cover panel 131 equipped with a modem 16 connecting with a modem antenna 161. The propulsion section 20 is equipped with an energy cabin 21 and a power plant cabin 22. The energy cabin 21 has an opening 211 and there are numbers of short bars 212 and screw holes 213 on the edges of the opening. The opening space of the power plant cabin 22 is equipped with a rear cabin cover 221. The power source assembly 23 which can house a propeller or water jet is located in the power plant cabin 22 and its tail, trails out of the rear of the power plant cabin 22 to aid in the propulsion. The energy cabin 21 can be loaded with a battery set and/or gasoline or diesel fuel tank. The power plant cabin 22 can be equipped with a propeller, a water jet or a turbine jet propeller of high power or low power as the power source assembly. The rear of the power plant cabin 22 is equipped with a remote-control antenna 24. A control module and a probing module are located in the previously mentioned control cabin 12. The control module is connected with a communication module, which is composed of the GPS antenna/receiver 14, the modem 16, and the remote-control antenna 24 to control and adjust the direction via the information obtained through the probing module. The probing module's possible tasks include obtaining information on the depth of water, water quality assessment, temperature measurement, current analysis, and even underwater photography. The probing instrument could be located and maneuvered from either the control section 10 or the outside of the propulsion section 20 to complete the desired task. The gasket holes 31 correspond to the short bar 212 and screw holes 213 located on the energy cabin 21. The gasket 30 is laid on the top of the energy cabin 21 which is used as the cover panel 131 of the conjunction module 13. Both of the wing panels 132 wrap around the energy cabin 21. Through a number of bolts 134, the cover panel 131 can be fitted on top of the power plant cabin 22. By using a gasket 30, the cover panel 131 and the energy cabin 21 could be fully waterproofed. The bow section 11 can be made by polyurethane foaming material. The empty area within the control section 10 and the propulsion section 20 can be filled up with polyurethane foaming material to maintain, or adjust the level of buoyancy of the vehicle. The lower part on the both sides of the control section 10 could be equipped with fins to improve vehicle stability while sailing. The control section 10 and the propulsion section 20 in the proposed marine surface vehicle are capable of being broken down into two separate parts to shorten its length, thus making it convenient for carrying and loading. There can be a range of various kinds of probing modules to install in the control section, and as well there are different kinds of power source assemblies to install depending on the purposes and conditions. Accordingly the design allows for three kinds of control sections, and three options for power selection. The results are therefore nine possible combinations to achieve many desired functions of the vehicle. Nine vehicles in one, with the owner to choose the specific purpose for each mission. Modifications or variations may be easily made without departing from the spirit or technical base of this invention, which have been described in the above sections. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An unmanned marine surface vehicle, comprising: a propulsion section which is made up of an energy cabin and a power plant cabin; a control section which is installed with a bow section, control cabin and a conjoining module; said conjoining module which could be joined with said propulsion section to form a single integrated vehicle.
 2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein said conjoining module has one cover panel connecting at the top of the energy cabin.
 3. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein both sides of the cover panel extend with wing panels connecting to both sides of the energy cabin.
 4. The vehicle according to claim 3, wherein there is an opening on the upper surface of the energy cabin and in which there are many screw holes fitted around the edges; said cover panel fitted with holes that correspond to the screw holes, so that bolts can be used to lock the cover panel on the top of the energy cabin.
 5. The vehicle according to claim 4, wherein there is a gasket connected to the surface of the cover panel and the energy cabin for being fully waterproofed; and said gasket has holes for the screw bolts, for securing the connection.
 6. The vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the wing panel will be of a three sided triangular shape.
 7. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the control section is connected to a probing module, a control module and a communication module.
 8. The vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the control section is connected to the GPS antenna/receiver and that it is connected with the upper section of the control cabin; the communication module contains a modem and a remote antenna, which are connected.
 9. The vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the probing module is used as an instrument to probe water depth, a water quality measuring instrument, a temperature taking apparatus or as an underwater camera; each of the above instruments is water proof and highly durable.
 10. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the energy cabin is loaded with a battery set and/or gasoline or diesel fuel tank.
 11. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein and the power plant cabin is equipped with a propeller, a water jet or a turbine jet propeller of high power or low power as the power source assembly. 